Tennessee is expected to get hot this week -- What you need to know about heat safety

The summer season officially starts June 21, but East Tennessee is already seeing many summer-like temperatures across much of the area.

Sunday, June 17th 2018, 7:10 PM EDT by WBIR Staff

Updated:

Monday, June 18th 2018, 7:40 AM EDT

The summer season officially starts June 21, but East Tennessee is already seeing many summer-like temperatures across much of the area.

It's good to know -- especially for those who love to get outside -- how to stay safe while outside with temperatures reaching the 90s. One thing to note is that even if it's 90°F, the heat index, or feels-like temperature, may be a bit hotter depending on the dew point.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 600 people in the United States die from extreme heat each year. Most heat-related deaths and illnesses are also preventable.

OUTDOOR AND INDOOR HEAT SAFETYIf you're outside, staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do. Water helps the body maintain its internal temperature, so you can avoid heat exhaustion or a heat stroke. If possible, finds intervals during the day to take a break in the shade. Temperatures can, at times, feel 10°F cooler.

The National Weather Service has a guide on how different heat indexes can affect the human body. If temperatures are between 80°F and 90°F, you should use caution while outside.

If temperatures are between 90°F and 103°F, people should use extreme caution while outside and should be wary of heat exhaustion.

If you're going to be outside, the NWS suggests planning outdoor times in the early morning or the late evening.

Not only should you be wary in the heat while outside, but check on your neighbors when temperatures rise above 90°F, especially the elderly.

CARS AND HEATAs of June 2018, the National Weather Service says there have been 12 children who have died from heatstroke in cars across the U.S.

Leaving your child or anyone else in a vehicle in the heat is dangerous. In about 10 minutes, the interior of a car can heat up by 20°F in the sun. Even on a day where temperatures are in the 70s, a car's internal temperature can rise up to 150°F.

Cars can also quickly heat up even with windows cracked.

A good tip to make sure you never accidentally leave anyone behind in a hot vehicle is to "look before you lock," one of the many reminders to check and make sure all living things are out of the car on a hot day before you lock the doors.